Los Angeles – Congresswoman Maxine Waters announced today that she is endorsing Wendy Greuel for mayor of Los Angeles and joining Greuel’s campaign as a co-chair.

Throughout her 37 years of public service, Waters has gained a reputation as an honest and fearless champion for her constituents, fighting for social justice and economic empowerment. In 2012 she was elected to her twelfth term in the House of Representatives with more than 70 percent of the vote in the 43rd Congressional District, which is comprised of the diverse communities of South Los Angeles and the South Bay, including Westchester.

Waters is the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services. As a co-chair on Greuel’s campaign, Waters will help lead outreach to African-Americans, Latinos, Asian Pacific Islanders and women throughout the city.

“Wendy Greuel is a woman of honesty and integrity, someone with the leadership, experience and toughness to get Los Angeles back on track,” Congresswoman Waters said. “I have fought my whole career to empower Angelenos, and that’s exactly what Wendy will do as mayor. She’ll fight to grow our middle class and bring good jobs and opportunity to every part of the city, with special attention to the areas with the greatest needs. And she could make history by becoming Los Angeles’ first woman mayor. I’m proud to be a co-chair on her campaign, and I am excited to join Wendy’s efforts to reach out to voters across the city.”

Waters also praised Greuel as a leader who will fight for equality and equal pay for women. Her endorsement comes the day before Equal Pay Day, which highlights the pay gap between men and women. Women continue to make just 77 cents for every dollar made by men. The disparity is even greater for women of color.

“Maxine Waters has dedicated her life to service. As one of the most powerful women in American politics and a tireless advocate for women, children, people of color and the poor, she’s fought her entire career fighting to bring economic opportunities to South Los Angeles,” Greuel said. “I’m proud to have her endorsement, and together we will partner to invest in jobs and job-training programs, spur economic development and support the creation of small businesses in Los Angeles so every Angeleno has an opportunity to succeed.”

Greuel has also formed a strong coalition of support among women, including the growing Women with Wendy committee. Greuel has also earned the support of EMILY’s List, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, the National Women’s Political Caucus, LA County, the Latina Lawyers PAC, and community and elected leaders including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn, Judy Chu and Linda Sanchez, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.